Neck Pain and Headaches in the Back of the Head: Causes & Effective Treatments

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints among adults in the U.S. It can lead to stiffness, sharp pain, and headaches at the back of the head—often mistaken for migraines or tension headaches.

📌 Did You Know?
✔️ Nearly 30% of American adults experience neck pain each year.
✔️ Over 50% of people will have neck pain at some point in their lifetime.

While neck-related headaches (also called cervicogenic headaches) can mimic other headache types, the root cause often lies in the cervical spine. Understanding the underlying cause of neck pain and headaches is the first step toward effective treatment.

Common Causes of Neck Pain & Headaches in the Back of the Head

Several conditions can contribute to neck pain and associated headaches. Below are the most common causes and how they can be treated.

1. Arthritis & Neck-Related Headaches

Arthritis is a joint condition that leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain—commonly affecting the neck and upper spine.

📌 Types of Arthritis That Cause Neck Pain & Headaches:
✔️ Osteoarthritis (OA) – Cartilage degeneration causes the bones to rub together, leading to pain and stiffness.
✔️ Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, leading to neck inflammation and pain.

📌 Symptoms of Arthritis in the Neck:
✔️ Neck stiffness and reduced range of motion
✔️ Headaches radiating from the neck to the back of the head
✔️ Pain that worsens with movement

📌 Treatment Options:
✔️ Chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment
✔️ MLS Laser Therapy to reduce joint inflammation
✔️ Physical therapy & postural correction to improve mobility

2. Herniated Discs & Nerve Compression

A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between vertebrae bulges out, pressing on surrounding nerves.

📌 Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in the Neck:
✔️ Neck pain radiating to the shoulders and arms
✔️ Headaches at the base of the skull
✔️ Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms

📌 Treatment Options:
✔️ Spinal Decompression Therapy to relieve nerve pressure
✔️ Shockwave Therapy to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation
✔️ Chiropractic care & targeted exercises to restore spinal health

3. Occipital Neuralgia (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Occipital neuralgia occurs when the occipital nerves (which run from the spine to the scalp) become irritated or compressed, leading to severe pain in the upper neck and back of the head.

📌 Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia:
✔️ Sharp, shooting pain from the neck to the scalp
✔️ Pain worsens with head movements
✔️ Tenderness in the base of the skull

📌 Treatment Options:
✔️ Manual therapy & nerve decompression techniques
✔️ MLS Laser Therapy to reduce nerve inflammation
✔️ Massage & trigger point therapy for muscle relaxation

4. Muscle Strain & Tension

Muscle strain in the neck and upper back can cause tightness, stiffness, and headaches.

📌 Common Causes of Neck Strain:
✔️ Poor posture from prolonged screen time ("tech neck")
✔️ Sudden jerking motions (whiplash injuries)
✔️ Overuse of neck muscles during exercise

📌 Treatment Options:
✔️ Postural correction & ergonomic adjustments
✔️ Shockwave Therapy for muscle relaxation
✔️ Stretching & strengthening exercises

5. Poor Posture & "Text Neck"

With increased smartphone and computer use, more people are experiencing neck pain due to poor posture. When the head juts forward, it places increased strain on the cervical spine, leading to chronic tension headaches.

📌 How Poor Posture Affects Neck Pain:
✔️ For every inch your head moves forward, neck strain increases by 10 pounds.
✔️ Slouching while using devices compresses the upper spine and nerves, triggering headaches in the back of the head.

📌 Treatment Options:
✔️ Chiropractic care for postural correction
✔️ Strengthening exercises for neck & shoulder muscles
✔️ Ergonomic modifications to prevent re-injury

Effective Treatment for Neck Pain & Headaches in the Back of the Head

At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we provide cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments to help patients eliminate pain and restore mobility—without medication or surgery.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Neck Pain

Chiropractic care is a proven method to correct spinal misalignment and relieve nerve pressure, helping to reduce headaches and neck pain.

📌 Benefits of Chiropractic Care:
✔️ Improves spinal function and range of motion
✔️ Reduces nerve compression and muscle tension
✔️ Alleviates headaches caused by neck dysfunction

2. MLS Laser Therapy for Pain Relief

MLS Laser Therapy uses light energy to penetrate deep into tissues, reducing inflammation and nerve irritation.

📌 How MLS Laser Therapy Helps:
✔️ Speeds up tissue repair in the neck and spine
✔️ Provides long-term pain relief
✔️ Improves circulation and promotes healing

3. Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression is highly effective for treating herniated discs, nerve compression, and chronic neck pain.

📌 How It Works:
✔️ Gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed nerves
✔️ Improves blood flow to the discs for faster healing
✔️ Reduces headaches related to cervical nerve irritation

4. Storz Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain

Shockwave Therapy helps break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension in patients with chronic neck pain and headaches.

📌 Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:
✔️ Stimulates collagen production for tissue repair
✔️ Reduces pain and stiffness in the neck and upper back
✔️ Non-invasive treatment with no downtime

Get Relief from Neck Pain & Headaches Today!

If you’re suffering from chronic neck pain, headaches in the back of the head, or nerve compression, we can help! At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, our advanced, non-surgical treatments are designed to restore mobility and eliminate pain—without the need for surgery.

📞 Call us today at 203-456-9299 or schedule your appointment online at schedule.ctdisccenters.com!

Related Articles:

📖 MLS Laser Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain
📖 Shockwave Therapy for Nerve Pain
📖 Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain & Postural Strain